A trailblazing young woman from Xizang turned her pilot dream into reality. As the first female fighter jet pilot from southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Kelsang Pedron'strong determination and superb skills served as her wings to help her soar into the blue skies.
Born in 2000, Kelsang Pedron now pilots one of the world's most advanced fighter jets - a dream born from her childhood.
Her aviation aspiration crystallized in middle school after watching space lecture of Wang Yaping, China's second female astronaut. Learning that Wang had begun her career as a female pilot at first, Kelsang decided to pursue her aviation dream. Finally, she was enrolled as a student in Chinese PLA Air Force Xi'an Flying College.
"The moment I saw the pilot recruitment materials, my heart was set on it. My parents encouraged me, telling me this was a rare and incredible opportunity. I felt like I would be able to fulfill my dreams while serving my country," said Kelsang Pedron,a cadet at Chinese PLA Air Force Xi'an Flying College.
Just like her peers, she set on her journey to achieve her dream. However, becoming a qualified fighter pilot comes with rigorous requirements that apply equally to all, regardless of one's gender or where one comes from.
"We hold all our pilots to the same standard, whether male or female. She herself is very hardworking—sometimes even more so than the male pilots," said Yang Fan, instructor of the Flying College.
A historic moment came in 2024 when she successfully completed her solo flight, making her the first female fighter pilot from Xizang which served as an achievement her parents' generation could have never imagined.
"My parents came to visit. When my mom saw my jet, she cried. She told me she had never imagined her own daughter would be able to pilot such a huge fighter. She was incredibly proud," said Kelsang Pedron.
Now she has also become a role model for countless other young people from her homeland who also dream of flying in the blue skies.
"I'm happy to learn that there are many younger students from Xizang who are already on their way. I believe we are in a great era where we can dedicate ourselves to national defense. As a senior who has paved the way, my hope is that they remain firm in their goals and live up to their own hard work," said Kelsang Pedron.
The first female fighter jet pilot of Xizang, a peace guardian of the skies, and a dream-chaser whose spirit will inspire future generations to follow.
Dream chaser: 1st female fighter jet pilot from Xizang
